Ah, Grandma’s Best Pasta Salad! This dish is a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors and delightful textures that come together in perfect harmony. I can still remember those sunny afternoons at her house, where this salad would grace the table during family gatherings. It’s got everything you crave: juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and creamy mozzarella, all tossed together in a light, tangy dressing that just sings with every bite. Trust me, this isn’t just any pasta salad; it’s a bowl of love and nostalgia. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic, a potluck, or just for a cozy dinner at home, it’s bound to bring smiles and happy memories to your table!

Ingredients for Grandma’s Best Pasta Salad

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making Grandma’s Best Pasta Salad shine! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups pasta: I love using rotini or penne for that perfect bite.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Their sweetness adds a burst of flavor.
• 1 cup cucumber, diced: Crisp and refreshing, it balances the dish beautifully.
• 1/2 cup red onion, chopped: For a bit of zing! Adjust to your taste.
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced: They bring a salty richness that elevates the salad.
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed: Creamy and delicious, it’s a must!
• 1/4 cup olive oil: A good quality oil makes a difference.
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Adds that tangy punch.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: For an aromatic touch that ties it all together.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.

Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go for that effortless mixing experience!

How to Prepare Grandma’s Best Pasta Salad

Getting Grandma’s Best Pasta Salad ready is a breeze, and I promise it’s well worth the little bit of effort! Let’s dive into the steps together.

Cooking the Pasta

First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once it’s bubbling, add in your 2 cups of pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente. You want it to have a little bite! Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.

Mixing the Salad Components

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and mozzarella cheese. Gently toss them together, making sure every piece is well incorporated. This is where the magic starts to happen, and the colors really pop!

Preparing the Dressing

Now, let’s whip up that dressing! In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This dressing is simple but oh-so-flavorful, bringing the salad to life!

Combining Everything

Pour the dressing over your salad mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly. It’s important to chill your salad for at least 30 minutes before serving—this lets all those wonderful flavors meld together. Trust me, the wait is totally worth it!

Nutritional Information

Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. On average, each serving of Grandma’s Best Pasta Salad (1 cup) contains approximately 250 calories, 15g of fat, 7g of protein, and 25g of carbohydrates. It’s a delightful way to enjoy a fresh, vegetarian dish while keeping an eye on your nutrition!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grandma’s Best Pasta Salad is a true crowd-pleaser, and here’s why you’ll adore it:

• Fresh and Flavorful: The mix of vibrant veggies and creamy mozzarella creates a deliciously refreshing taste.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip this up in no time, making it perfect for busy days!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: It’s even better when made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Customizable: Feel free to throw in your favorite veggies or proteins for a personalized twist!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a picnic, potluck, or family dinner, it’s sure to impress.

Tips for Success

To make sure Grandma’s Best Pasta Salad turns out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First, don’t overcook the pasta—aim for that al dente texture to keep it from getting mushy. Rinsing the pasta under cold water helps stop the cooking and keeps it from clumping together. When mixing the salad components, be gentle; you want everything to stay intact and look beautiful! Also, let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes—this really enhances the flavors. Finally, taste before serving! If it needs a little more salt or pepper, don’t hesitate to adjust. Trust me, these small tweaks make a big difference!

Variations to Try

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up Grandma’s Best Pasta Salad! For a protein boost, try adding grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier dish. You can also throw in some colorful bell peppers or roasted zucchini for extra veggies. Craving a Mediterranean twist? Toss in some feta cheese and artichoke hearts—yum! If you want a little heat, diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can spice things up. Don’t be afraid to get creative; this salad is a perfect canvas for your favorite ingredients!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing leftovers of Grandma’s Best Pasta Salad is super easy! Just transfer any uneaten salad into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to 3 days, and trust me, the flavors get even better as they mingle. If you’re not planning to eat it right away, you can also freeze it, but keep in mind that the texture of the veggies may change a bit upon thawing.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, there’s no need to reheat! Just take it out of the fridge and let it sit for a few minutes to take the chill off before serving. It’s meant to be enjoyed cold!

Serving Suggestions

Grandma’s Best Pasta Salad pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes! Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a hearty meal, or with crusty garlic bread for a comforting touch. It’s also fantastic with a light soup, like minestrone or tomato basil. For a complete Italian-inspired feast, add a side of bruschetta or a simple arugula salad. You can’t go wrong with these delicious combinations!

For more delicious pasta recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta or Creamy Chicken Pasta.

For a deeper understanding of the nutritional benefits of pasta salads, you can refer to Healthline’s article on pasta salads.

Grandma’s Best Pasta Salad: 7 Secrets for Pure Bliss

---

• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This is Grandma’s Best Pasta Salad, a delicious mix of flavors and textures.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

---

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water.
3. In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and mozzarella.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
6. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

• This salad can be made a day in advance.
• Feel free to add your favorite vegetables.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Grandma’s Best Pasta Salad, pasta salad, Italian salad, cold salad